CSK to take on RCB in IPL 2024 opener on March 22

The schedule for the first 21 matches (March 22 - April 7) of the Indian Premier League 2024 has been announced, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk on March 22.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in Mohali and Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens will happen on March 23. The Capitals will play their home games in Vizag till April 7.

Rajasthan Royals will commence their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur before last year’s runner-up Gujarat Titans take on Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad on March 24. There will be four double-headers in this period.

Delhi, Bangalore and Gujarat will play five of their 14 league matches in the first 17 days, while Kolkata are scheduled to play only three games. Meanwhile, the other teams have been given four games in this window.

With the Election Commission expected to announce the polling dates in March, the remaining schedule will be announced later. Since the inception of the tournament in 2008, India have seen three General Elections, two of which impacted scheduling. 

While the IPL was entirely shifted to South Africa in 2009, the UAE hosted a part of the 2014 IPL. However, the BCCI managed to keep the entire 2019 IPL to India, keeping dynamic scheduling in mind.

With the ICC T20 World Cup starting on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies, the IPL needs to be over by the third week of May, further creating scheduling issues for the BCCI. As per reports, the final will be held on May 26.